Cattle Guard - A cattle guard is a structure placed in a roadway that prevents cows from walking through a gap in a fence while allowing vehicles to pass through. Cattle guards are constructed by digging a ditch across the road, then spanning the ditch, long ways, with metal beams. Vehicles can cross the cattle guard, but cows are naturally afraid of getting their feet caught in things, so they won't cross. On paved roads, sometimes white lines are painted on the road, simulating a cattle guard, that also prevents cows from crossing. Having a cattle guard eliminates the need for a gate, which is a pain to open and close every time, and also prevents problems when gates are left open.

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